Spy thriller books about the CIA |
Are
you a fan of spy thriller novels? If you are, then you're no stranger to the
intrigue and suspense that comes with stories featuring the Central
Intelligence Agency (CIA). Over the years, the CIA has played a leading role in
many thrilling tales that have earned critical acclaim and numerous awards,
cementing their place in the genre as a powerhouse.
If you're looking for your next
heart-racing read, look no further- I’ve put together a list of thirteen
popular CIA spy thriller novels that you simply can't afford to miss. They
range from old classics to modern-day bestsellers. So, if you're ready to embark
on an adventure full of twists and turns, buckle up and get ready for a wild
ride. These thrilling tales feature only the CIA, no other spy agency. I list
them numerically according to their publication dates, so you can start from
the beginning or jump straight into the action-packed sequels.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, these thirteen novels are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat:
1. "The
Spy Who Came in from the Cold" by John le Carré (1963). This classic spy
thriller novel follows British spy Alec Leamas as he goes deep undercover to
take down an East German intelligence officer. It won the Edgar Award for Best
Novel in 1964.
2. "Tinker,
Tailor, Soldier, Spy" by John le Carré (1974). Retired spy George Smiley
tries to uncover a Soviet mole within the British intelligence agency. It won
the Gold Dagger Award and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1974.
3. "The
Bourne Identity" by Robert Ludlum (1980). This novel follows Jason Bourne,
a man who wakes up with amnesia and must uncover his true identity while being
pursued by various intelligence agencies. It won the Best First Novel Edgar
Award in 1981.
4. "The
Company" by Robert Littell (2002). Set during the Cold War, this novel
explores the lives of several CIA operatives and their role in the agency's
covert operations. It won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Best Thriller in
2002.
5. "Red
Sparrow" by Jason Matthews (2013). A young CIA officer goes undercover to
uncover a Russian mole within the agency. It won the Edgar Award for Best First
Novel in 2014.
6. "The
Bourne Initiative" by Eric Van Lustbader (2017). A continuation of the
popular "Bourne" series, which follows the titular character as he
attempts to take down a new threat to national security.
7. "The
Terminal List" by Jack Carr (2018).A thriller featuring a former Navy SEAL
seeking revenge against the CIA operatives who betrayed him.
8. "The
Moscow Rules" by Antonio & Jonna Mendez (2019). A non-fiction book
that explores the CIA's operations during the Cold War, including firsthand
accounts from two former CIA officers who served as spies in Moscow.
9. "The
Paladin" by David Ignatius (2020). A fast-paced thriller that follows a
former CIA operative as he attempts to take down a powerful cybersecurity
company that may be working against American interests.
10.
"The Agency" by Ally O'Brien (2021). A
contemporary thriller that follows a young CIA recruit as she navigates the
world of espionage and attempts to uncover a mole within the agency.
11.
"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura
Dave (2021). A gripping mystery that follows a woman as she attempts to unravel
the truth behind her husband's disappearance, which may be linked to his work
with the CIA. It was a #1 New York Times bestseller.
12.
"Red Widow" by Alma Katsu (2021). A historical
thriller set during the Cold War, which follows a CIA operative as she attempts
to uncover a Soviet mole within the agency.
13. "Hunter Killer" by Brad Taylor (2022). A thriller that follows a former CIA off icer who is tasked with tracking down a rogue agent who may have turned against the agency.
Although not listed, I must mention author
Tom Clancy, who wrote extensively about the CIA in his novels. Clancy's books
often featured the CIA as a prominent element in their plots, with many of his
main characters being CIA agents. My favorite Clancy novels are "The Hunt
for Red October," "Patriot Games," and "Clear and Present
Danger," all of which involve the CIA in some capacity. Clancy was known
for his detailed research and accuracy in portraying government agencies and
military operations, including the CIA, which added to the realism and
authenticity of his novels.
While not all the books on the list have achieved the same level of commercial success, they have all received positive reviews and are well-loved by many readers. Whether you're a long-time fan of the genre or a newcomer, I hope they keep you on the edge of your seat and provide you with hours of thrilling entertainment. Enjoy!
Robert Morton is a member of the
Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and enjoys writing about the
U.S. Intelligence Community. He authors the Corey
Pearson- CIA Spymaster series. Check out his latest spy
thrillers: MISSION OF VENGEANCE.
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